This is our comprehensive analysis of the 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt. The Henry Big Boy .45 Colt is a classic lever-action rifle that blends timeless design with powerful performance, making it a favorite for hunting, target shooting, and recreational use. To unlock its full potential, pairing it with the right scope is essential.
A well-chosen optic not only enhances accuracy but also improves versatility, whether you’re aiming for quick target acquisition at close range or precise shots at mid-range distances.
With modern optics offering features like illuminated reticles, rugged construction, and advanced lens coatings, today’s scopes bring out the 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt while staying true to its heritage of reliability and power.
5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt
1. Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4x20mm Riflescope
If you want a compact, no-nonsense scope that suits a classic lever-gun like the Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt, the Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5–4×20 is exactly the kind of optic that checks the right boxes: low profile, rugged, fast to acquire, and optically competent for the ranges you’ll realistically use with a .45 Colt.
Leupold’s Twilight Light Management System is a standout here. On paper it claims up to about 10 extra minutes of usable light at dawn/dusk and, in practice, that translates to brighter, higher-contrast images in low-light conditions compared with basic glass in the same price class.
Mechanically the VX-Freedom is built tough. The tube is machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum, and Leupold advertises it as 100% waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof so recoil from a .45 Colt is well within its design envelope.
The product notes say the scope is “punisher tested to a lifetime of performance,” which underlines the brand’s emphasis on long-term reliability. For everyday use on a working rifle, that kind of robustness is reassuring.
Windage and elevation are handled with precision 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments that give tactile, repeatable clicks for sighting in and for field tweaks. Those clicks make zeroing straightforward and provide the dependable repeatability you want when you mount the scope on a rifle you use regularly.
Pros
- Fast, practical magnification band
- Compact and low preserves cheek weld and lever clearance on Henry Big Boy.
- Twilight Light Management improves low-light usability
- Very rugged build (6061-T6, waterproof/fogproof/shockproof)
- Precise, repeatable 1/4 MOA finger-click adjustments
- Scratch-resistant lens surfaces increase long-term durability.
- Clean, simple Pig-Plex reticle for quick acquisition without clutter.
Cons
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Limited top-end magnification
2. Burris Veracity PH First Focal Plane Riflescope
Pairing a classic lever-action like the Henry Big Boy .45 Colt with a modern optic such as the Burris Veracity PH may seem unconventional at first glance, but for hunters and shooters who want cutting-edge technology on a timeless platform, it’s a compelling option.
This riflescope is built on a compact, lighter chassis than many long-range optics, making it reasonably manageable for a lever gun. Its first focal plane reticle and wide 2.5–12× zoom range give you the flexibility to handle close-range brush work or stretch your .45 Colt to its ballistic limits with precision.
The system guarantees precise elevation adjustments without taking your eyes off the target. For lever-gun shooters who want a simple, fast, and confidence-inspiring solution for bullet drop compensation, this is a game changer.
One of the most striking features is the HUD integrated into the sight picture. When paired with the BurrisConnect App via Bluetooth, the HUD displays essential ballistic data, rifle cant, angle, wind holdover, elevation turret position, and even battery life.
All of this is visible through the optic, so you don’t need to fumble with charts, apps, or turret click counts mid-shot. For hunting, this means you stay locked on the target without breaking focus, which is invaluable in dynamic shooting scenarios.
While the scope’s advanced systems rely on a battery for the HUD and digital precision, Burris designed the Veracity PH to continue functioning even if the battery dies. Once it has been configured, the mechanical adjustments remain usable, so your hunt isn’t ruined by a drained power cell.
This hybrid approach high-tech features with old-school dependability makes the scope practical for extended hunting trips in remote areas where carrying spare batteries may not always be feasible.
The BurrisConnect app integrates seamlessly with the Veracity PH, letting you input specific ballistics for your .45 Colt loads. This ensures the HUD and PĒK system provide distance-accurate holds and adjustments.
Pros
- Wide magnification range
- Compact chassis makes it lighter than many other FFP optics.
- PEK system ensures unmatched dialing precision without counting clicks.
- HUD provides real-time ballistic, angle, and wind data in sight picture.
- Works even without battery power after setup no reliability concerns.
- Seamless Bluetooth connectivity with BurrisConnect App for ballistics integration.
- First focal plane reticle
Cons
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Requires setup with BurrisConnect App for full functionality.
3. Vortex Optics Strike Eagle First Focal Plane Riflescopes
Lever-action rifles like the Henry Big Boy in .45 Colt are often paired with compact, low-power optics, and the Vortex Strike Eagle 1–8×24 FFP fits that role exceptionally well. This scope is a true LPVO (Low Power Variable Optic) designed to handle short- to medium-range engagements.
With its first focal plane reticle, daylight-bright illumination, and rugged construction, it gives Big Boy owners a versatile option that works just as well in dense brush as it does when stretching shots across open fields.
At 1×, the EBR-8 reticle provides a red dot–like experience, allowing for rapid, both-eyes-open shooting an excellent match for the quick handling of a lever gun. As you zoom up to 8×, the reticle scales perfectly thanks to its FFP design, giving accurate holdovers and ranging features that extend practical use out to 600 yards.
While the .45 Colt cartridge won’t reach that distance effectively, the reticle still provides valuable precision within its realistic hunting range. The reticle also includes 9 daylight illumination settings, giving you flexibility in bright sun, low light, or heavy cover.
The XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses ensure crisp, high-contrast images that make it easier to acquire and track targets. Whether you’re picking out game in the woods or checking a steel target at the range, the Strike Eagle’s clarity stands out. An included throw lever makes magnification changes quick and fluid a practical advantage when shifting from close-in shots to medium-range engagements.
Vortex built the Strike Eagle with field abuse in mind. The 30 mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube is both lightweight and strong, while capped turrets keep your zero protected from accidental bumps. It’s shockproof, waterproof, and fogproof thanks to nitrogen purging and O-ring seals, ensuring reliability in any weather.
The Armortek coatings on the lenses add another layer of protection against scratches, smudges, and debris a key feature for rifles carried in rugged environments.
Pros
- True red dot–like speed at 1× with FFP reticle scaling at all magnifications
- Wide zoom range (1–8×) covers close to medium distances with ease
- Excellent glass quality for clear, crisp sight picture
- Rugged construction with waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance
- Throw lever allows fast magnification changes
- Armortek coatings protect lenses from wear in the field
Cons
- Heavy
4. Vortex Optics Crossfire II Second Focal Plane, 30mm Tube Riflescopes
For shooters who want a reliable, budget-friendly scope that doesn’t compromise on performance, the Vortex Crossfire II 1–4×24 SFP is one of the best matches for the Henry Big Boy .45 Colt.
This optic balances simplicity, ruggedness, and usability, making it ideal for lever-action shooters who favor short- to mid-range hunting or range sessions. Its compact profile and practical features keep the Big Boy’s handling intact while enhancing accuracy.
The Crossfire II 1–4×24 features the V-Brite reticle, which uses the proven V-Plex format with an illuminated center dot. This allows for fast target acquisition even in low-light conditions, essentially functioning like a red dot at 1× while still giving you precision at 4×. Combined with anti-reflective, fully multi-coated lenses, the scope delivers bright, clear images and reduces glare, which is particularly useful during dawn and dusk hunts when game is most active.
Lever-action rifles like the Henry Big Boy demand quick handling, and the Crossfire II’s long eye relief and ultra-forgiving eye box make it easy to acquire targets quickly without struggling for the perfect cheek weld.
This forgiving design is especially helpful for fast follow-up shots, ensuring the optic complements the natural speed of a lever gun. The fast-focus eyepiece also helps you fine-tune the reticle quickly, so you spend more time shooting and less time adjusting.
Built on a single-piece 30 mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Crossfire II is designed for toughness. It’s shockproof to handle recoil, O-ring sealed for waterproofing, and nitrogen purged to prevent internal fogging all essential qualities for a scope mounted on a hunting rifle. The capped reset turrets are finger-adjustable with MOA clicks and can be easily reset to zero after sighting in, making the scope reliable and easy to maintain in the field.
Pros
- Compact and practical magnification range (1–4×)
- Excellent eye relief and forgiving eye box for quick shots and comfort
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Waterproof/fogproof/shockproof design
- Easy-to-use capped turrets that reset to zero after sight-in
- Affordable price point with premium warranty support
- Lightweight and well-suited to maintain Henry Big Boy’s balance
Cons
- Pricey
5. Vortex Optics Venom 1-6×24 Second Focal Plane Riflescope
The Vortex Optics Venom 1-6×24 SFP riflescope is an excellent option for Henry Big Boy .45 Colt owners who want a versatile optic that balances speed, accuracy, and durability. Designed with hunters and entry-level competition shooters in mind, the Venom provides a rugged build, a clear sight picture, and features that make it highly effective for short- to mid-range shooting.
Its low-power variable optic (LPVO) configuration is especially well-suited for lever-action rifles, offering both red-dot-like speed and magnification for longer-range precision.
Built on a 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube, the Venom is shockproof and ready to handle the recoil of the .45 Colt cartridge. The XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses ensure sharp, bright images, even in low-light conditions, which is a big advantage for early morning or evening hunts. The second focal plane (SFP) system keeps the reticle easy to see across all magnifications, maintaining clarity and simplicity for shooters at different distances.
The illuminated BDC3 reticle is another standout feature, optimized for fast target acquisition at close range while still offering holdovers for mid-range shots out to 600 yards. For lever-action shooters who want to push their Henry Big Boy .45 Colt beyond typical ranges, this reticle provides valuable versatility.
Pros
- Durable single-piece 30mm aircraft-grade aluminum tube f
- XD optical system and fully multi-coated lenses
- Illuminated BDC3 reticle
- SFP reticle stays consistent and easy to read at all magnification levels
- Tactile turrets and included throw lever for fast, precise adjustments
- Waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen-purgedArmortek lens coating
Cons
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Slightly heavier compared to some compact LPVOs
Factors to consider when choosing the 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt
Magnification
The 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt is best suited for close- to mid-range shooting, so choosing an appropriate magnification range is essential. Low-power variable optics (LPVOs) like 1-4x, 1-6x, or 1-8x allow you to use the rifle effectively at short distances while still offering enough zoom for accurate mid-range shots. Too much magnification can be unnecessary and even hinder quick target acquisition, so balance is key.
Reticle Design
The right reticle can make a big difference in shooting performance. Illuminated reticles, such as BDC (Bullet Drop Compensation) or EBR designs, provide holdovers for extending your effective range while still functioning like a red dot at 1x magnification. For hunters, a simple illuminated center dot works well in low light, while competition shooters may benefit from advanced reticles with ranging features.
Optical Clarity
Optics with fully multi-coated lenses and quality glass, such as XD or HD systems, provide crisp images and high light transmission. Since many hunts or outdoor shooting sessions take place in dawn or dusk conditions, good low-light performance is critical. A clear sight picture ensures faster target acquisition and more precise shot placement.
Durability
The .45 Colt produces notable recoil in lever-action rifles, so your scope must be built tough. Look for a single-piece tube design made from aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and shockproof performance. Additional protective features like Armortek lens coatings, nitrogen purging, and O-ring sealing ensure the scope can withstand rough handling, moisture, and fog.
Ease of Adjustment
Scopes with user-friendly adjustment features, such as capped or resettable turrets, fast-focus eyepieces, and throw levers, make it easy to adapt to changing shooting conditions. For instance, quick magnification changes are essential in hunting scenarios, while precise turret adjustments are valuable for target shooting. Intuitive controls save time and reduce the risk of mistakes in the field.
Read:
FAQs of the 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt
- Do I need an illuminated reticle for my Henry Big Boy .45 Colt?
An illuminated reticle isn’t strictly necessary, but it’s highly beneficial. Lever-action rifles are often used in hunting scenarios where lighting can be dim, such as dawn or dusk. An illuminated reticle ensures visibility of your aiming point, helping you stay accurate even in low-light conditions.
- Will the recoil of a Henry Big Boy .45 Colt damage my scope?
Not if you choose a well-built optic. Scopes made from aircraft-grade aluminum and designed to be shockproof can easily handle the recoil of the .45 Colt. Brands like Vortex, Leupold, and Burris rigorously test their scopes for durability, making them reliable companions for lever-action rifles.
- Should I choose a first focal plane (FFP) or second focal plane (SFP) scope?
For most Henry Big Boy .45 Colt users, a second focal plane (SFP) scope is sufficient, as it keeps the reticle size consistent across magnifications and is easier to use at shorter ranges.
Read:
Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 357 Magnum
Conclusion
Choosing the 5 Best Scopes for Henry Big Boy 45 Colt comes down to balancing performance, durability, and ease of use. Optics designed with the right magnification range, reliable reticle options, and robust construction ensure your lever-action rifle is ready for both the range and the field. With the options available today, you can confidently equip your rifle with a scope that matches your needs and shooting style.